Boundary Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Boundary is a hydroelectric dam located in Pend Oreille, Washington, along the banks of the Pend Oreille River.
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Summary
Constructed in 1967, this concrete dam stands at a height of 340 feet and serves multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation and recreation. The dam has a storage capacity of 95,000 acre-feet, a drainage area of 25,200 square miles, and a maximum discharge of 360,000 cubic feet per second.
Owned and regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Boundary is classified as having a high hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 100 feet and various outlet gates for water release. Despite its age, the condition assessment for Boundary is currently listed as "Not Available," and the last inspection was conducted in September 2020 with an inspection frequency of one year.
With its significant hydraulic height of 330 feet and structural height of 360 feet, Boundary Dam remains a crucial infrastructure for water resource management and renewable energy production in the region. Its location in the scenic Northport area offers opportunities for recreation while providing essential services for the surrounding communities. As discussions around climate change and water resource sustainability continue, monitoring and maintaining structures like Boundary will be vital to ensure the safety and efficiency of our water systems.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
740 |
Dam Height |
340 |
River Or Stream |
Pend Oreille River |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
1668 |
Hydraulic Height |
330 |
Drainage Area |
25200 |
Nid Storage |
95000 |
Structural Height |
360 |
Outlet Gates |
Bascule - 1, Slide (sluice gate) - 7, Tainter (radial) - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
360 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Outlet Creek Near Metaline Falls
|
19cfs |
Columbia River At International Boundary
|
101000cfs |
Pend Oreille River Below Box Canyon Near Ione
|
34700cfs |
Boundary Creek Nr Porthill Id
|
481cfs |
Kootenai River At Porthill Id
|
35000cfs |
Kettle River Near Laurier
|
1600cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
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